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Abstract Background Differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) affects thousands of lives worldwide each year. Typically, DTC is a treatable disease with a good prognosis. Yet, some patients are subjected to partial or total thyroidectomy and radioiodine therapy to prevent local disease recurrence and metastasis. Unfortunately, thyroidectomy and/or radioiodine therapy often worsen(s) quality of life and might be unnecessary in indolent DTC cases. On the other hand, the lack of biomarkers indicating a potential metastatic thyroid cancer imposes an additional challenge to managing and treating patients with this disease. Aim The presented clinical setting highlights the unmet need for a precise molecular diagnosis of DTC and potential metastatic disease, which should dictate appropriate therapy. Materials and methods In this article, we present a differential multi‐omics model approach, including metabolomics, genomics, and bioinformatic models, to distinguish normal glands from thyroid tumours. Additionally, we are proposing biomarkers that could indicate potential metastatic diseases in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), a sub‐class of DTC. Results Normal and tumour thyroid tissue from DTC patients had a distinct yet well‐defined metabolic profile with high levels of anabolic metabolites and/or other metabolites associated with the energy maintenance of tumour cells. The consistency of the DTC metabolic profile allowed us to build a bioinformatic classification model capable of clearly distinguishing normal from tumor thyroid tissues, which might help diagnose thyroid cancer. Moreover, based on PTC patient samples, our data suggest that elevated nuclear and mitochondrial DNA mutational burden, intra‐tumour heterogeneity, shortened telomere length, and altered metabolic profile reflect the potential for metastatic disease. Discussion Altogether, this work indicates that a differential and integrated multi‐omics approach might improve DTC management, perhaps preventing unnecessary thyroid gland removal and/or radioiodine therapy. Conclusions Well‐designed, prospective translational clinical trials will ultimately show the value of this integrated multi‐omics approach and early diagnosis of DTC and potential metastatic PTC.

Abstract Dielectric tunability is widely used in numerous electronic devices, including wavelet filters, lens antennae, and varactors. However, a dielectric device often has only one tunable dielectric constant range, confining the integration of a multi‐frequency electronic circuit. Herein, a new kind of dielectric tunable textured BaTi0.99Fe0.01O3−δ ceramics with micro‐twin boundaries is proposed for the dual‐channel controllable dielectric constants. The relative tunability with the acceptable figure of merit is as large as 76% in the crossover channel, which is superior to that of the most state‐of‐the‐art BaxSr1 −xTiO3 counterparts. This new design strategy offers the possibility of dual‐channel filters in one dielectric device controlled by external electric fields. The required external electric field is moderate with the help of reversible micro twins, which is confirmed by first‐principles studies. The static magnetic field interference on the dielectric constant is also evaluated, showing the frequency stability of dielectric tunability in a range between 5k and 1 m Hz.

The development of synthetic host-guest systems for stimuli-responsive molecular recognition in water is challenging. Here, the authors report a pair of water-soluble naphthotubes with a pH-responsive cavity for which switchable bifunctional recognition in water is achieved.

Single crystals of 2-methylbenzimidazolium perchlorate were prepared for the first time with a slow evaporation method from an aqueous solution of a mixture of 2-methylbenzimidazole (MBI) crystals and perchloric acid HClO4. The crystal structure was determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD) and confirmed by XRD of powder. Angle-resolved polarized Raman and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) absorption spectra of crystals consist of lines caused by molecular vibrations in MBI molecule and ClO4− tetrahedron in the region ν = 200–3500 cm−1 and lattice vibrations in the region of 0–200 cm−1. Both XRD and Raman spectroscopy show a protonation of MBI molecule in the crystal. An analysis of ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) absorption spectra gives an estimation of an optical gap Eg~3.9 eV in the crystals studied. Photoluminescence spectra of MBI-perchlorate crystals consist of a number of overlapping bands with the main maximum at Ephoton ≅ 2.0 eV. Thermogravimetry-differential scanning calorimetry (TG-DSC) revealed the presence of two first-order phase transitions with different temperature hysteresis at temperatures above room temperature. The higher temperature transition corresponds to the melting temperature. Both phase transitions are accompanied by a strong increase in the permittivity and conductivity, especially during melting, which is similar to the effect of an ionic liquid.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have made great progress in the field of tumors and have become a promising direction of tumor treatment. With advancements in genomics and bioinformatics technology, it is possible to individually analyze the neoantigens produced by somatic mutations of each patient. Neoantigen load (NAL), a promising biomarker for predicting the efficacy of ICIs, has been extensively studied. This article reviews the research progress on NAL as a biomarker for predicting the anti-tumor effects of ICI. First, we provide a definition of NAL, and summarize the detection methods, and their relationship with tumor mutation burden. In addition, we describe the common genomic sources of NAL. Finally, we review the predictive value of NAL as a tumor prediction marker based on various clinical studies. This review focuses on the predictive ability of NAL’s ICI efficacy against tumors. In melanoma, lung cancer, and gynecological tumors, NAL can be considered a predictor of treatment efficacy. In contrast, the use of NAL for urinary system and liver tumors requires further research. When NAL alone is insufficient to predict efficacy, its combination with other indicators can improve prediction efficiency. Evaluating the response of predictive biomarkers before the treatment initiation is essential for guiding the clinical treatment of cancer. The predictive power of NAL has great potential; however, it needs to be based on more accurate sequencing platforms and technologies.

In recent years, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have become the standard treatment option for tumors. With the widespread application of ICIs, immune-related adverse events (irAEs) have gradually attracted the attention of researchers. Owing to the characteristics of ICIs, irAEs can affect each organ of the human body. Thromboembolism is uncommon in cancer patients receiving ICIs, but it may affect their survival. Most thromboembolic events do not cause serious effects after early prediction and treatment, but life-threatening toxic reactions are also observed. This condition should not be ignored because of vague and atypical symptoms, which make early diagnosis more challenging. This article focuses on the high-risk factors, underlying mechanisms, incidence, and prognosis of thromboembolism in patients using ICIs and briefly describes the intervention and treatment measures. This information would allow patients to effectively manage the side effects of thromboembolism during Immune checkpoint inhibitors treatment, ensuring the efficacy of ICIs and reducing mortality.

Glycine (Gly) single crystals doped with croconic acid (CA) were grown by evaporation from aqueous solutions. Depending on the weight ratio of Gly and CA in solutions, the crystals take on a plate or pyramidal shape. Both powder and single crystal XRD analyses indicate that the crystal lattices of plates (α-Gly:CA) and pyramides (γ-Gly:CA) correspond to the lattices of pure α-Gly and γ-Gly polymorphs, respectively. Raman and FTIR spectra of Gly:CA crystals are very close to the spectra of undoped crystals, but include bands associated with CA impurity. Analysis of UV-Vis absorption spectra indicates that doping does not remarkably change bandgap value Eg~5.2 eV but results in appearance of strong absorption bands in the transparency region of pure glycine crystals, which result from local electronic transitions. Incorporation of CA molecules in Gly creates strong green photoluminescence in a wide spectral range 1.6–3.6 eV. Comparison of the optical spectra of Gly:CA and previously studied TGS:CA crystals indicates that in both cases, the modifications of the optical spectra induced by CA doping are practically identical and are related to the interaction between CA molecules located in the pores of the host Gly crystals and neighboring Gly molecules.

Triglycine sulfate (TGS) single crystals doped with croconic acid (CA) were grown by evaporation from aqueous solutions. X-ray diffraction analysis shows a slight reduction in unit cell volume in TGS:CA compared to pure TGS crystals. The polarized Raman and near-infrared absorption spectra show that the positions of most lines resulting from inter- and intramolecular vibrations are in good agreement with those in spectra of undoped TGS crystals. The inclusion of CA in TGS is confirmed by the presence of bands characteristic of CA in the infrared-Fourier transform spectra. The ultraviolet-visible absorption spectra of TGS:CA are characterized by the presence of additional absorption bands (compared to the spectra of pure TGS) located in the transparent region of pure TGS. In the photon energy region 1.6–3.6 eV, a strong “green” luminescence band is present in TGS:CA upon excitation at λ = 325 nm. The position of the emission band depends on the wavelength of the exciting light. Doping of TGS with CA causes pinning of domain walls, which is accompanied by a decrease in amplitude and frequency dispersion of the dielectric anomaly at the phase transition, a decrease in the switchable polarization and an increase in the coercive field of hysteresis loops.

Abstract Eu-doped calcium aluminate was synthesized via the low-cost self-propagating combustion synthesis (SPCS) technique, whose phase constitutions were identified as Ca9Al6O18 and Ca3Al2O6. The Ca2+ ions in Ca9Al6O18 rather than Ca3Al2O6 phase were replaced by Eu3+ ions. The product exhibits the superior luminescent property and photocatalytic activity, which may find potential applications in the display devices and environment treatments.

The title complex, [Pb(C8H5N2O2S)2]n, consists of one PbII ion located on a crystallographic twofold axis and two symmetry-related 2-amino-1,3-benzothiazole-6-carboxylate (ABTC) ligands. The central PbII ion has a (4 + 2) coordination by four O atoms of the two ABTC ligands and two weaker Pb—S bonding interactions (Pb—S secondary bonds) from S atoms of other two neighbouring ABTC ligands. These bonds link the metal ions into zigzag chains along the c axis, which, in turn, aggregate through π–π interactions [centroid–centroid distance = 3.7436 Å] between ABTC rings and N—H...O and N—H...N hydrogen bonds.

【Objective】 Slow-release fertilizer is efficient and environmentally friendly but its effectiveness is closely related to soil water. This paper studies the combined impact of slow-release fertilization and irrigation method on growth, yield and quality of rice. 【Method】 The pot experiment was conducted from May to September in 2021 at Hubei Irrigation Central Experimental Station. It consisted of flood irrigation (W1) and alternate wetting and drying irrigation (W2). Each irrigation treatment had 6 fertilizations: conventional fertilization (F100), fertilizations using 120% (SF120), 110% (SF110), 100% (SF100), 90% (SF90) and 80% (SF80) of the fertilizer used in F100 but replacing them by controlled-release fertilizer. In each treatment, we measured the plant height, numbers of tillers, chlorophyll SPAD, yield and its components, as well as amylose and gluten protein contents in each growth stage. The entropy weight TOPSIS method was used for comprehensive evaluation of the treatments. 【Result】 Compared with F100, on average over the two irrigation treatments, SF100 increased plant height, tiller numbers, grain yield and glutenin content by 24.65%, 34.90%, 11.90% and 32.72%, respectively, while reduced the chlorophyll degradation and amylose content by 24.98% and 7.37%, respectively. Compared with W2, W1 increased the average plant height, chlorophyll degradation, and yield by 19.01%, 20.73%, and 12.82%, respectively, and reduced the number of tillers and the contents of amylose and glutenin by 31.05%, 0.30%, and 0.90%, respectively. Under W1, the yield of SF90 was 12.41% higher than that of SF120; the amylose content in SF90 was 6.68% lower than that in SF120; the glutenin content in SF90 was 5.33% lower than that in SF110. The entropy weight TOPSIS method showed that the relative yield of W1+SF90 was the closest to the potential yield, with the comprehensive score reaching 0.985. 【Conclusion】 Combining flood irrigation with a 10% reduction of conventional fertilization by using slow-release fertilizer (648 kg/hm2 fertilizer) is a promising irrigation-fertilization for rice production in the middle and low reaches of the Yangtze River basin.

【Objective】 Fertilizer applications in paddy soils are prone to leaching and improving irrigation and fertilization to improve water and fertilizer use efficiency is critical to sustaining rice production. Taking nitrogen (N) and phosphorous (P) as an example, this paper investigated how changes in irrigation and fertilization alert N and P migration in soils. 【Method】 The experiment was conducted from June to September 2019 in the lysimeters at the Zhanghe Irrigation District, Hubei Province. We compared continuous flooding irrigation (CF) and alternating wet and dry irrigation (AWD). For each irrigation there were two fertilizations: conventional fertilization (N1) and fertilization using slow-release fertilizers (N2). In each treatment, we measured the changes in nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) at different soil depths. 【Result】 The concentration of total nitrogen (TN), nitrate-nitrogen (NO3--N) and ammonium nitrogen (NH+ 4-N) in the top 0~25 cm of soil was higher under N1 than under N2. W1+N2 increased TN and NH+ 4-N concentrations significantly (P

ObjectiveThe Turnip (Brassica rapa L. ssp. rapa) is a leaf and root vegetable grown and consumed worldwide. The consumption of Turnip has been associated with beneficial effects on human health due to their phytochemicals that may control a variety of physiological functions, including antioxidant activity, enzyme regulation, and apoptotic control and the cell cycle. The current systematic review of the literature aims to evaluate both the profile and quantity of phytochemicals commonly found in Turnip greens and to provide perspectives for further investigation.MethodsThis review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. Four bibliographic databases (PubMed, Embase, Web-of-Science and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) were searched to identify published studies until April 8th, 2020 (date last searched) without data and language restriction. Studies were included if they used samples of Turnip greens (the leaves), and evaluated its phytochemical content. Two reviewers independently evaluated the titles and abstracts according to the selection criteria. For each potentially eligible study, two reviewers assessed the full-texts and independently extracted the data using a predesigned data extraction form.ResultsBased on the search strategy 5,077 potentially relevant citations were identified and full texts of 37 studies were evaluated, among which 18 studies were eligible to be included in the current review. The majority of included studies were focused on identification of glucosinolates and isothiocyanates (n = 14, 82%), four studies focused on organic acids, and five studies reported phenolic component profile in Turnip greens. Among included studies nine studies (50%) provided information on phytochemical's content. We found 129 phytochemicals (19 glucosinolates, 33 glucosinolate-breakdown products, 10 organic acids and 59 polyphenolic compounds) reported in Turnip greens. Flavonoids were mainly present as quercetin, kaempferol and isorhamnetin derivatives; while aliphatic forms were the predominant glucosinolate (gluconapin was the most common across five studies, followed by glucobrassicanapin). In general, the phytochemical content varied among the leaves, tops and Turnip roots.ConclusionsEmerging evidence suggests the Turnip as a substantial source of diverse bioactive compounds. However, detailed investigation on the pure compounds derived from Turnip green, their bioavailability, transport and metabolism after consumption is further needed. Additional studies on their biological activity are crucial to develop dietary recommendations on the effective dosage and dietary recommendation of Turnip greens for nutrition and health.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) remain the top disease and mortality burdens worldwide. Oats have been shown to benefit cardiovascular health and improve insulin resistance. However, the evidence linking oat consumption with CVD, T2D and all-cause mortality remains inconclusive. We conducted a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies to evaluate the associations between oat consumption and risks of T2D, CVD and all-cause mortality in the general population. Five electronic databases were searched until September, 2020. Study specific relative risks (RR) were meta-analyzed using random effect models. Of 4686 relevant references, we included 9 articles, based on 8 unique studies and 471,157 participants. Comparing oat consumers versus non-consumers, RRs were 0.86 (95% CI 0.72–1.03) for T2D incidence and 0.73 (95% CI 0.5–1.07) for combined CVD incidence. Comparing participants with highest versus lowest oat intake, RRs were 0.78 (95% CI 0.74–0.82) for T2D incidence, 0.81 (95% CI 0.61–1.08) for CHD incidence and 0.79 (95% CI 0.59–1.07) for stroke. For all-cause mortality one study based on three cohorts found RR for men and women were 0.76 (95% CI 0.69–0.85) and 0.78 (95% CI 0.70–0.87), respectively. Most studies (n = 6) were of fair to good quality. This meta-analysis suggests that consumption of oat could reduce the risk for T2D and all-cause mortality, while no significant association was found for CVD. Future studies should address a lack of standardized methods in assessing overall oat intake and type of oat products, and investigate a dose-dependent response of oat products on cardiometabolic outcomes in order to introduce oat as preventive and treatment options for the public.

The selected Moutai aromatic microorganisms and their metabolites were applied into the fermentation of tobacco leaves in order to improve the tobacco quality. The results showed that a variety of aromatic substances in Moutai, as well as the typical flavor substances commonly used in cigarettes, were detected in the fermented tobacco leaf extract. In view of the GC-MS results as well as the sensory smoking evaluation of tobacco leaf extracts under designed experimental conditions, the optimal parameters of stable single-strain fermentation process was at 40 ℃ for 10-15 days. The results of specific effects of different fermentation conditions on the content of aroma substances in different parts of tobacco leaves after fermentation, as well as the subsequent sensory evaluation, provided basic data for the improvement of tobacco fermentation and aroma flavoring technology, which was conducive to the development of new cigarettes.

PurposeThe present study aimed to further examine the factor structure and measurement invariance of the UDRQ among a sample of Hungarian university students.MethodsFirstly, the factor structure of the UDRQ was examined among 837 Hungarian university students. Specifically, two measurement models (first-order model and second-order model) were constructed and compared. Secondly, the internal consistency reliability of the UDRQ was examined. Thirdly, measurement invariance of the UDRQ was evaluated across genders. Finally, measurement invariance of the UDRQ was evaluated across two different samples.ResultsIt was found that the first-order model outperformed the second-order model and better represented the factor structure of the UDRQ subscales. Results of Cronbach’s alpha and Composite Reliability suggested that the internal consistency reliabilities of the two UDRQ subscales were satisfactory. Measurement invariance analysis revealed that the UDRQ measurement model was strict invariant across genders and samples.ConclusionThe findings of the present study indicated that the UDRQ displayed satisfactory reliability and validity and could be used to assess demands and resources of Hungarian university students.

Abstract Background The purpose of this study was to analyze myopic regression after corneal refractive surgery (CRS) in civilian pilots and to explore the factors that may cause long-term myopic regression. Methods We included civilian pilots who had undergone CRS to correct their myopia and who had at least 5 years of follow-up. We collected retrospective data and completed eye examinations and a questionnaire to assess their eye habits. Results A total of 236 eyes were evaluated in this study. 211 eyes had Intrastromal ablations (167 eyes had laser in situ keratomileusis, LASIK, 44 eyes had small incision lenticule extraction, SMILE) and 25 eyes had subepithelial ablations (15 eyes had laser epithelial keratomileusis, LASEK and 10 eyes had photorefractive keratectomy, PRK). The mean preoperative spherical equivalent (SE) was − 2.92 ± 1.11 D (range from − 1.00 to -5.00 D). A total of 56 eyes (23.6%) suffered from myopic regression after CRS. Comparisons of individual and eye characteristics between the regression and non-regression groups revealed statistically significant differences in age, cumulative flight time, postoperative SE (at 6 months and current), uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), accommodative amplitude (AA), positive relative accommodation (PRA), postoperative period, types of CRS and eye habits. Generalized propensity score weighting (GPSW) was used to balance the distribution of covariates among different age levels, types of CRS, cumulative flying time, postoperative period and continuous near-work time. The results of GPS weighted logistic regression demonstrated that the associations between age and myopic regression, types of CRS and myopic regression, continuous near-work time and myopic regression were significant. Cumulative flying time and myopic regression, postoperative period and myopic regression were no significant. Specifically, the odds ratio (OR) for age was 1.151 (P = 0.022), and the OR for type of CRS was 2.769 (P 45 min and poor accommodative function may be related factors in this specific population.

This work investigated tungsten samples that were pre-damaged at room (300 K) and high temperatures (573 and 873 K) using 3.5 MeV iron ions and then exposed to the high-flux deuterium plasma. The vacancy-type defects and the behavior of deuterium retention in the investigated tungsten were characterized and compared to study the effect of high-temperature pre-damage. Results of slow positron annihilation with Doppler broadening spectroscopy indicate the introduction of numerous defects by the room-temperature damage and the formation of larger-sized vacancy clusters by the high-temperature pre-damage. Surface observation demonstrates that the pre-damage at room temperature effectively suppressed the formation of intra-granular blisters, while the pre-damage at high temperature did not exhibit such a significant suppression effect on blister formation. Thermal desorption results show that pre-damage at room temperature significantly increases deuterium desorption. Pre-damage at high temperatures also strengthens deuterium desorption, not as significantly as room-temperature pre-damage, and meanwhile produces additional desorption at around 900 K. These results indicate differences between room-temperature and high-temperature pre-damage in the generation of defects and their impact on deuterium retention. Compared to room-temperature pre-damage, high-temperature pre-damage tends to generate defects with a larger average size, weakening the suppression effect on deuterium aggregation and blistering within the grains of tungsten, reducing the quantity of deuterium trapping sites and producing higher-energy deuterium traps.

Thermoelectric power plants account for approximately 40% of total U.S. water withdrawals each year. In 2022, 48.5 trillion gallons of water were withdrawn for cooling systems in electricity production, of which 962.9 billion gallons of water were consumed and no longer available for downstream use. Conventional steam coal plants, in particular, withdrew 18.3 trillion gallons of water for once-through and recirculating cooling systems in 2022 while contributing to 19.7% of total U.S. net electricity generation. As coal-fueled electricity production becomes less competitive, cases of coal-to-gas retrofits occur to avoid stranded assets. Two retrofitting methods are adopted in practice: coal-fired power plants are repurposed and replaced by natural gas combined-cycle plants, or the boiler of a coal plant is converted to burn natural gas. In this study, we construct panel data and employ an event study framework to examine changes in water withdrawal, water consumption, water discharge, and carbon emissions resulting from coal-to-gas retrofits in the continental United States from 2013 to 2022. Seventeen coal-fired power plants have been replaced with natural gas combined-cycle plants, and 167 coal steam units in 85 plants have undergone coal-to-gas boiler conversions. We find a sharp and sustained reduction in water withdrawal of 40.2–53.9 thousand gallons per megawatt-hour of net electricity produced when a coal plant transitioned to a natural gas combined-cycle plant. Water discharge was also reduced by 30.7 thousand gallons, and carbon emissions decreased by 0.59 short tons per megawatt-hour. Yet, boiler conversion did not lead to statistically significant changes in per megawatt-hour water withdrawal, water consumption, water discharge, or carbon emissions. Spatial assessment further informs resource planning of projected water-stressed regions, as 204.6 gigawatts of coal-fired power plants remain operable in the United States in 2022. Fuel transition should adopt a nexus approach and account for the interdependence between water resources and electricity production to realize sustainable development commitments.

BackgroundTai Chi Chuan (TCC) is a physical activity modality that originated in China and is now widely popular around the world. Although there are a series of articles reporting that TCC can improve balance and other functional symptoms in a variety of populations, including the elderly, patients with stroke, and patients with Parkinson's disease, its efficiency has not been scientifically and methodically evaluated in subjects with functional ankle instability (FAI). Moreover, there is no literature directly comparing TCC and conventional balance training (CBT) interventions for FAI. The objective of this study is to investigate the comparative effects of TCC intervention and CBT protocols in improving postural balance and subjective instability feelings in patients with FAI.MethodsThis study will be a single-center, parallel group, randomized controlled trial. Sixty-eight patients with FAI will be included and randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either an intervention group (n =34) or a control group (n = 34). The participants in the intervention group will complete 12 weeks of TCC intervention (40 min/time, 3 times/week for 12 weeks) on the basis of health education treatment. The control group will receive health education and 36 CBT sessions during a 12-week period. Outcome measures include postural stability and self-reported feelings of instability at baseline, after the end of the intervention, and 3-month follow-up. The postural stability assessment of patients with FAI will be detected by performing static and dynamic postural tests, which will be carried out through a specific balance platform (TecnoBody ProKin). Self-reported feelings of instability will be assessed by Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT), American Orthopedics Foot and Ankle Society's Ankle–Hindfoot Evaluation Scale (AOFAS-AHES), and the MOS item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36).DiscussionThis trial will demonstrate whether a 12-week TCC intervention positively affects postural stability and self-reported outcomes in patients with FAI. At the same time, the superiority of its clinical efficacy will also be compared with that of CBT. This study may also help to redefine the value of traditional Chinese exercises in the treatment of chronic ankle instability.Clinical trial registrationChinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR2100041790. Registration date: 22 March 2021. http://www.chictr.org.cn/edit.aspx?pid=119501&htm=4.

The physical and mental health of an aging society has become a major issue, and stress reduction and the improvement of physical and mental health are important physical and mental health issues for middle-aged and elderly people. This research sought to explore the application of aromatherapy for the improvement of physical and mental health and stress levels, as well as other issues, that concern the elderly in the community. The research was based on intentional sampling. A pre- and post-test design with unequal groups was employed. The experimental treatments were divided into five groups: Group A (compound essential oil massage plus sniffing), Group B (compound essential oil massage), Group C (pure base oil massage), Group D (compound essential oil sniffing), and control Group E (without any aromatherapy intervention). To explore the effects of aromatherapy on physical and mental health and stress relief among the elderly in the community, the self-completed Mental and Physical Health Scale for the Elderly and the Stress Index Measurement Scale were used to collect data. The obtained data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and by paired sample t-test. It was concluded that aromatherapy can improve the physical and mental health of the elderly in the community and can significantly reduce stress. The experimental results on aromatherapy in this study can provide a basis for home application to help the elderly in the community. They also provide a foundation for the organization of health promotion courses for the elderly and other practical applications in social welfare group planning.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) triggers a series of neuroinflammatory processes that contribute to evolution of neuronal injury. The present study investigated the neuroprotective effects and anti-inflammatory actions of berberine, an isoquinoline alkaloid, in both in vitro and in vivo TBI models. Mice subjected to controlled cortical impact injury were injected with berberine (10 mg·kg(-1)) or vehicle 10 min after injury. In addition to behavioral studies and histology analysis, blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability and brain water content were determined. Expression of PI3K/Akt and Erk signaling and inflammatory mediators were also analyzed. The protective effect of berberine was also investigated in cultured neurons either subjected to stretch injury or exposed to conditioned media with activated microglia. Berberine significantly attenuated functional deficits and brain damage associated with TBI up to day 28 post-injury. Berberine also reduced neuronal death, apoptosis, BBB permeability, and brain edema at day 1 post-injury. These changes coincided with a marked reduction in leukocyte infiltration, microglial activation, matrix metalloproteinase-9 activity, and expression of inflammatory mediators. Berberine had no effect on Akt or Erk 1/2 phosphorylation. In mixed glial cultures, berberine reduced TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling. Berberine also attenuated neuronal death induced by microglial conditioned media; however, it did not directly protect cultured neurons subjected to stretch injury. Moreover, administration of berberine at 3 h post-injury also reduced TBI-induced neuronal damage, apoptosis and inflammation in vivo. Berberine reduces TBI-induced brain damage by limiting the production of inflammatory mediators by glial cells, rather than by a direct neuroprotective effect.

Tropomyosin-related kinase B (TrkB) signaling is critical for promoting neuronal survival following brain damage. The present study investigated the effects and underlying mechanisms of TrkB activation by the TrkB agonist 7,8-dihydroxyflavone (7,8-DHF) on traumatic brain injury (TBI). Mice subjected to controlled cortical impact received intraperitoneal 7,8-DHF or vehicle injection 10 min post-injury and subsequently daily for 3 days. Behavioral studies, histology analysis and brain water content assessment were performed. Levels of TrkB signaling-related molecules and apoptosis-related proteins were analyzed. The protective effect of 7,8-DHF was also investigated in primary neurons subjected to stretch injury. Treatment with 20 mg/kg 7,8-DHF attenuated functional deficits and brain damage up to post-injury day 28. 7,8-DHF also reduced brain edema, neuronal death, and apoptosis at day 4. These changes were accompanied by a significant decrease in cleaved caspase-3 and increase in Bcl-2/Bax ratio. 7,8-DHF enhanced phosphorylation of TrkB, Akt (Ser473/Thr308), and Bad at day 4, but had no effect on Erk 1/2 phosphorylation. Moreover, 7,8-DHF increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels and promoted cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) activation. This beneficial effect was attenuated by inhibition of TrkB or PI3K/Akt. 7,8-DHF also promoted survival and reduced apoptosis in cortical neurons subjected to stretch injury. Remarkably, delayed administration of 7,8-DHF at 3 h post-injury reduced brain tissue damage. Our study demonstrates that activation of TrkB signaling by 7,8-DHF protects against TBI via the PI3K/Akt but not Erk pathway, and this protective effect may be amplified via the PI3K/Akt-CREB cascades.

There is a lack of large-scale studies on vitamin D status and its relationship to parathyroid hormone (PTH) and bone turnover markers in adults living in Shanghai. The objectives were to determine the prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency in Shanghai and to investigate the relationship of 25(OH)D with parathyroid function and bone turnover markers. This cross-sectional study involved 649 men and 1939 women aged 20-89 years who were randomly sampled in Shanghai. Serum concentrations of 25(OH)D, PTH, albumin, and bone turnover markers were measured. During the winter season, the prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency (

Low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 2 gene (LRP2) is located next to the genomic region showing suggestive linkage with both hip and wrist bone mineral density (BMD) phenotypes. LRP2 knockout mice showed severe vitamin D deficiency and bone disease, indicating the involvement of LRP2 in the preservation of vitamin D metabolites and delivery of the precursor to the kidney for the generation of 1α,25(OH)(2)D(3). In order to investigate the contribution of LRP2 gene polymorphisms to the variation of BMD in Chinese population, a total of 330 Chinese female-offspring nuclear families with 1088 individuals and 400 Chinese male-offspring nuclear families with 1215 individuals were genotyped at six tagSNPs of the LRP2 gene (rs2389557, rs2544381, rs7600336, rs10210408, rs2075252 and rs4667591). BMD values at the lumbar spine 1-4 (L1-4) and hip sites were measured by DXA. The association between LRP2 polymorphisms and BMD phenotypes was assessed by quantitative transmission disequilibrium tests (QTDTs) in female- and male-offspring nuclear families separately. In the female-offspring nuclear families, rs2075252 and haplotype GA of rs4667591 and rs2075252 were identified in the nominally significant total association with peak BMD at L1-4; however, no significant within-family association was found between peak BMD at the L1-4 and hip sites and six tagSNPs or haplotypes. In male-offspring nuclear families, neither the six tagSNPs nor the haplotypes was in total association or within-family association with the peak BMD variation at the L1-4 and hip sites by QTDT analysis. Our findings suggested that the polymorphisms of LRP2 gene is not a major factor that contributes to the peak BMD variation in Chinese population.